To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. ~ Thomas Campbell
I’ve pondered this view a lot in recent months. The building is George Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters at Newburgh, New York. During his time, it was a sprawling farm overlooking the Hudson River, but today it’s boxed in by a city he never knew.
George Washington lives in our hearts because of the whimsy of history. Most people deemed him a middling military strategist. Yet, he led American forces to defeat the mighty British empire. He inspired multitudes and was the unanimous choice for America’s first President, an office he was reticent to accept. He’s still something of a mystery, because his wife Martha honored his request to burn his papers upon his death. Unlike many other Founding Fathers, his voice is hard to conjure, his person stilted and stuffy and somewhat inaccessible.
But we know he loved this perch high above the Hudson. He reveled in its majesty, blazed trails over the surrounding landscape, and ordered his men to rig an underwater blockade there. While most people associate George Washington with Virginia, I’ve always pictured him first in New York, standing on this granite slope, his cape blowing in the winter wind. His head grazing the rafters of a stone cottage too low to contain his soaring frame.
He doesn’t live in my heart because of what he accomplished. I first connected with him because someone thought to preserve this site, to mark it as something he valued. He isn’t a character in the story I’m writing, because his death doesn’t fit the rules. But he was one of many who whispered its beginnings as I stood in snow blinded light and snapped a memory before I knew I was a writer.
And I thank him for his inspiration.
Do you have a particular historical figure who inspires you for a surprising reason? I’d love to hear about her or him in a comment!
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Washington was a contemporary of Abigail Adams and Theodosia Burr Alston – two of my favorite ladies!
This is part of a series of pictures about making memories. If you liked the story why not share it with your friends? Let’s meet on Facebook or Twitter. If you prefer pictures you will surely like my Instagram. I’ve collected inspirational things and more on Pinterest! Any comments? Write them below!
15 Comments
I was always inspired by Abraham Lincoln. But lately, since I’ve been hearing how good the presidential biographies are, I’d like to know more about John Adams.
David McCullough’s Adams book is majesty. I highly recommend it.
I concur with Andra on the McCullough book, and you’ll learn a great deal about Abigail Adams as well.
Historical figures who’ve captured my imagination: Abraham Lincoln, Jim Bowie, Jeremiah Johnson, Chief Joseph, Crazy Horse, and Lou Gehrig.
I read an awesome Gehrig biography years ago. I’ll know it’s name by the time I see you. I used to be a rabid baseball fan, before the strikes that impacted so many households dependent upon wages.
I’ve always admired Amelia Earhart. She never let anyone tell her she couldn’t do something.
She was awesome. I visited her Kansas hometown last year and marveled anew.
I don’t know that there is a particular historical figure that inspired me for a surprising reason, but, I have been inspired by a local gal, Jane Addams, since I was in 6th grade. Our teacher took us on a field trip, first to Hull House. After studying about this remarkable woman and her efforts to educate the poor, seeing the actual settlement house and its surroundings has a profound impact on me.
When we finished at Hull House, she took us to Chinatown for lunch! This was quite a field trip for suburban children in the early ’60s (ouch, giving away my age).
I love this story! You know, I live in Charleston because of elementary school field trips. I must see this place next time.
i am a huge fan of author, kate chopin. (the awakening). i am in awe of her for the things she had to endure while trying to tell and have her stories put into print, after blacklisting for being too radical for the times. while she is not a historical figure on the political front, she was a huge force in the world of feminists/authors.
I’ve got to read this one, Beth. I always love the things you recommend.
I enjoyed reading this post. And, I loved this Watkins Gem… boxed in by a city he never knew.
Thank you. See you Thursday!!
I think when I start to think about your question my mind floods with so many examples of people I admire and have studied from time to time. But a real favorite of mine is Teddy Roosevelt. There is so much about him that I admire and find fascinating, but I’m most inspired by his relationship with Gifford Pinchot–an equally fascinating character–Chief of the the U.S. Forest Service. Don’t get me started on the two of them…I lapse into lecture mode. 🙂
TR is my favorite President. He wasn’t perfect, but I admire his gusto and verve. We wouldn’t have protected lands without him, even if he made some questionable compromises to get there.
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